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Tony on bungee-jumping in Macau: "Free falling ... this was the fun part. A relief after standing there with calves turning to jelly, waiting, waiting."9601280

Tony on bungee-jumping in Macau: "Free falling ... this was the fun part. A relief after standing there with calves turning to jelly, waiting, waiting."

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Physical medium Amy Allan and retired NYPD detective Steve Di Schiavi intrigued viewers this year with their new series, The Dead Files. In each episode, they explore the scene of a crime separately and only convene at the end to compare notes -- often to shocking result.9601280

Physical medium Amy Allan and retired NYPD detective Steve Di Schiavi intrigued viewers this year with their new series, The Dead Files. In each episode, they explore the scene of a crime separately and only convene at the end to compare notes -- often to shocking result.

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Lizzie Borden took an axe … and gave her mother 40 whacks. Kids reenact creepy moments from Lizzie Borden’s life, as Ghost Adventures’ Zak, Nick and Aaron gear up for their paranormal investigation.9601280

Lizzie Borden took an axe … and gave her mother 40 whacks. Kids reenact creepy moments from Lizzie Borden’s life, as Ghost Adventures’ Zak, Nick and Aaron gear up for their paranormal investigation.

KATE HARPER

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In The Layover, Tony and friend Sara Pampaloni cruise the streets of Rome in a classic Fiat 500.9601280

In The Layover, Tony and friend Sara Pampaloni cruise the streets of Rome in a classic Fiat 500.

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A suave Adam (with director Tony Biancosino channeling Captain Stubing?) were in Louisville, KY, this year for the annual derby. 9601280

A suave Adam (with director Tony Biancosino channeling Captain Stubing?) were in Louisville, KY, this year for the annual derby.

Photograph in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.

JFK National Historic Site

JFK National Historic Site

See JFK’s birthplace in Brookline, MA. The Kennedy family moved into this 7-room, 2-and-a-half-story home in 1915; 2 years later John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in an upstairs bedroom. The home is closed during the winter, and reopens for summer.9601280

See JFK’s birthplace in Brookline, MA. The Kennedy family moved into this 7-room, 2-and-a-half-story home in 1915; 2 years later John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in an upstairs bedroom. The home is closed during the winter, and reopens for summer.

Sebastia Giralt, flickr

PT 109

PT 109

Lieutenant junior grade John F. Kennedy aboard the PT-109 in the South Pacific, 1943. For heroic actions waged after his ship was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Hollywood later brought this story to the silver screen, in 1963’s biopic PT 109.9601280

Lieutenant junior grade John F. Kennedy aboard the PT-109 in the South Pacific, 1943. For heroic actions waged after his ship was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Hollywood later brought this story to the silver screen, in 1963’s biopic PT 109.

JFK Island

JFK Island

This small island, in the Pacific Ocean, is the area where the 26-year-old JFK aided his injured crew after his boat, the PT-109, was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. Colloquially known as Plum Pudding Island, the tiny tropical island was later named JFK Island in honor of JFK’s heroism that day in 1943.9601280

This small island, in the Pacific Ocean, is the area where the 26-year-old JFK aided his injured crew after his boat, the PT-109, was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. Colloquially known as Plum Pudding Island, the tiny tropical island was later named JFK Island in honor of JFK’s heroism that day in 1943.

Getty Images

Bay of Pigs Invasion

Bay of Pigs Invasion

In April 1961, President Kennedy authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion, an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's Cuban government. In this photo, a Cuban tank is positioned near the area where 1,500 anti-Castro rebels came ashore.9601280

In April 1961, President Kennedy authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion, an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's Cuban government. In this photo, a Cuban tank is positioned near the area where 1,500 anti-Castro rebels came ashore.

Reuters

Kennedy Compound

Kennedy Compound

President Kennedy with his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, John Jr. and Caroline, in Hyannis Port, MA, August 1962. The Kennedy Compound comprises 6 acres of waterfront property, and was once the home of JFK’s father. The grounds also served as a base for JFK’s 1960 presidential campaign.9601280

President Kennedy with his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, John Jr. and Caroline, in Hyannis Port, MA, August 1962. The Kennedy Compound comprises 6 acres of waterfront property, and was once the home of JFK’s father. The grounds also served as a base for JFK’s 1960 presidential campaign.

Photograph by Cecil Stoughton, White House, in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.

Cuban Missile Crisis ... and 13 Very Tense Days

Cuban Missile Crisis ... and 13 Very Tense Days

President Kennedy wrote "Missile Sites" on this map of Cuba and marked them with "X"s when he was first briefed by the CIA on the Cuban Missile Crisis on Oct. 16, 1962. JFK's brother, Bobby, later wrote a memoir about this flashpoint moment, when the US was pushed to the brink of nuclear war, in Thirteen Days.9601280

President Kennedy wrote "Missile Sites" on this map of Cuba and marked them with "X"s when he was first briefed by the CIA on the Cuban Missile Crisis on Oct. 16, 1962. JFK's brother, Bobby, later wrote a memoir about this flashpoint moment, when the US was pushed to the brink of nuclear war, in Thirteen Days.

Reuters/Brian Snyder BS/YH

'Ich bin ein Berliner'

'Ich bin ein Berliner'

On June 26, 1963, Kennedy visited West Berlin and gave a historic speech to a massive audience of 450,000 people promising American support to West Germany, in the wake of the Soviet Union erecting the Berlin Wall 22 months before. The speech is known for its famous phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner!" (“I am a Berliner!”) 9601280

On June 26, 1963, Kennedy visited West Berlin and gave a historic speech to a massive audience of 450,000 people promising American support to West Germany, in the wake of the Soviet Union erecting the Berlin Wall 22 months before. The speech is known for its famous phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner!" (“I am a Berliner!”)

Photograph by Robert Knudsen, White House, in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.

Passing the Torch

Passing the Torch

President Kennedy and daughter Caroline aboard the "Honey Fitz" off the coast of Hyannis Port, MA, Aug. 31, 1963. Caroline later named her firstborn son, John ‘Jack’ Schlossberg, in honor of her father.9601280

President Kennedy and daughter Caroline aboard the "Honey Fitz" off the coast of Hyannis Port, MA, Aug. 31, 1963. Caroline later named her firstborn son, John ‘Jack’ Schlossberg, in honor of her father.

Photograph by Cecil Stoughton, White House, in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.

JFK’s Final Moments

JFK’s Final Moments

President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and Texas governor John Connally ride through Dallas moments before Kennedy was assassinated, Nov. 22, 1963. Kennedy was shot twice, Connally in the chest, wrist and thigh. A 10-month investigation led by the Warren Commission concluded, in September 1964, that a lone gunman was the culprit; but 50 years later, many doubts remain in the American public’s mind. 9601280

President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and Texas governor John Connally ride through Dallas moments before Kennedy was assassinated, Nov. 22, 1963. Kennedy was shot twice, Connally in the chest, wrist and thigh. A 10-month investigation led by the Warren Commission concluded, in September 1964, that a lone gunman was the culprit; but 50 years later, many doubts remain in the American public’s mind.

Reuters

Dealey Plaza -- and the Grassy Knoll

Dealey Plaza -- and the Grassy Knoll

Dealey Plaza, a 15-acre public park in Dallas where the JFK assassination occurred. The northwest side of the plaza is home to the infamous "Grassy Knoll," from which, the House Select Committee on Assassinations determined there was a “high probability” that a second assassin also fired at JFK but missed. Dealey Plaza was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993. 9601280

Dealey Plaza, a 15-acre public park in Dallas where the JFK assassination occurred. The northwest side of the plaza is home to the infamous "Grassy Knoll," from which, the House Select Committee on Assassinations determined there was a “high probability” that a second assassin also fired at JFK but missed. Dealey Plaza was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

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Sixth Floor Museum

Sixth Floor Museum

Explore the details of JFK’s assassination, as well as his legacy, at the Sixth Floor Museum. Located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building, the museum houses a collection of 40,000 items related to JFK’s assassination. The museum also has a webcam that features a live view from the sniper spot.9601280

Explore the details of JFK’s assassination, as well as his legacy, at the Sixth Floor Museum. Located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building, the museum houses a collection of 40,000 items related to JFK’s assassination. The museum also has a webcam that features a live view from the sniper spot.

NK Eide, flickr

JFK Eternal Flame

JFK Eternal Flame

An eternal flame marks JFK's grave at Arlington National Cemetery. Just 11 days prior to his assassination, JFK had visited the cemetery for Veterans Day services, and remarked, “I could spend eternity here.” JFK’s family honored his wish; his wife, Jackie, and 2 infant children, would later join him at this burial site. JFK’s brothers, Senators Robert Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy are buried a few yards away.9601280

An eternal flame marks JFK's grave at Arlington National Cemetery. Just 11 days prior to his assassination, JFK had visited the cemetery for Veterans Day services, and remarked, “I could spend eternity here.” JFK’s family honored his wish; his wife, Jackie, and 2 infant children, would later join him at this burial site. JFK’s brothers, Senators Robert Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy are buried a few yards away.

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Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

“I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft,” said JFK less than a month before his death. Today, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 1971, stands as a living memorial to America’s 35th president. The center is the nation's busiest performing arts facility and annually hosts approximately 2,000 performances for audiences totaling nearly 2 million.9601280

“I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft,” said JFK less than a month before his death. Today, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 1971, stands as a living memorial to America’s 35th president. The center is the nation's busiest performing arts facility and annually hosts approximately 2,000 performances for audiences totaling nearly 2 million.

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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, located on Columbia Point in Boston, is the official repository for original papers and correspondence of the Kennedy Administration. At the dedication ceremony in 1979, JFK Jr. read from the Stephen Spender poem, “I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great.”9601280

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, located on Columbia Point in Boston, is the official repository for original papers and correspondence of the Kennedy Administration. At the dedication ceremony in 1979, JFK Jr. read from the Stephen Spender poem, “I Think Continually of Those Who Were Truly Great.”

Reuters/Adam Hunger

Montreal’s President Kennedy Avenue

Montreal’s President Kennedy Avenue

That greatness translated into widespread international appeal. Following JFK’s assassination, the world joined the United States in mourning. This included Canada, where the predominantly Roman Catholic Montreal named the street west of Saint-Urbain Street as Avenue du President-Kennedy, in honor of America’s first Catholic president. 9601280

That greatness translated into widespread international appeal. Following JFK’s assassination, the world joined the United States in mourning. This included Canada, where the predominantly Roman Catholic Montreal named the street west of Saint-Urbain Street as Avenue du President-Kennedy, in honor of America’s first Catholic president.

Kenn Chaplin, flickr

John-F.-Kennedy-Platz

John-F.-Kennedy-Platz

Eight days after Kennedy’s assassination, a square in front of city hall in West Berlin was renamed John F. Kennedy Platz. It was here that JFK had delivered his rousing speech to Berliners, proclaiming “Ich bin ein Berliner.” The renaming of the square is noted in this large plaque, at the entrance to the old-time city hall.9601280

Eight days after Kennedy’s assassination, a square in front of city hall in West Berlin was renamed John F. Kennedy Platz. It was here that JFK had delivered his rousing speech to Berliners, proclaiming “Ich bin ein Berliner.” The renaming of the square is noted in this large plaque, at the entrance to the old-time city hall.

Henry Lee, flickr

Yad Kennedy in Jerusalem

Yad Kennedy in Jerusalem

And on a lone hill, on the southwest edge of Jerusalem, the Yad Kennedy memorial was dedicated in JFK’s honor on July 4, 1966. The flat-topped memorial offers up a powerful image: 53 concrete “ribs,” separated by high, narrow windows, depict the huge stump of a tree cut down in its prime. 9601280

And on a lone hill, on the southwest edge of Jerusalem, the Yad Kennedy memorial was dedicated in JFK’s honor on July 4, 1966. The flat-topped memorial offers up a powerful image: 53 concrete “ribs,” separated by high, narrow windows, depict the huge stump of a tree cut down in its prime.

JerandSar Gimbel, flickr

John F. Kennedy Memorial in England

John F. Kennedy Memorial in England

“This acre of English ground was given to the United States of America by the people of Britain in memory of John F. Kennedy.” Those words, etched across this limestone memorial, were dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1965, in Runnymede alongside the River Thames. JFK’s widow, Jackie, attended the dedication. 9601280

“This acre of English ground was given to the United States of America by the people of Britain in memory of John F. Kennedy.” Those words, etched across this limestone memorial, were dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1965, in Runnymede alongside the River Thames. JFK’s widow, Jackie, attended the dedication.

Wyrdlight, Wikimedia Commons

John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

“This is not the land of my birth, but it is the land for which I hold the greatest affection.” JFK was speaking about Ireland, which he visited in June 1963 -- he would later call his 4 days there the best 4 of his life. Visit Kennedy’s ancestral homeland, in New Ross, Co Wexford, and you’ll find the 623-acre John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. 9601280

“This is not the land of my birth, but it is the land for which I hold the greatest affection.” JFK was speaking about Ireland, which he visited in June 1963 -- he would later call his 4 days there the best 4 of his life. Visit Kennedy’s ancestral homeland, in New Ross, Co Wexford, and you’ll find the 623-acre John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.

Sean Rowe, flickr

Kennedy Memorial in Dallas

Kennedy Memorial in Dallas

When news hit of JFK’s assassination, Dallas became the undeserved target of a shocked nation’s grief. Cars bearing Dallas license plates were turned over and Dallas became known as the “City of Hate” for years to come. In 1970, wounds began to heal when this memorial to Kennedy was erected in downtown Dallas. Now, on the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, local artists have put together the Dallas LOVE Project, a collection of 30,000 works of art throughout the city that show Dallas as “a city where love thrives.” 9601280

When news hit of JFK’s assassination, Dallas became the undeserved target of a shocked nation’s grief. Cars bearing Dallas license plates were turned over and Dallas became known as the “City of Hate” for years to come. In 1970, wounds began to heal when this memorial to Kennedy was erected in downtown Dallas. Now, on the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, local artists have put together the Dallas LOVE Project, a collection of 30,000 works of art throughout the city that show Dallas as “a city where love thrives.”

Wrigley Field’s 100th

Before it was ever known as Wrigley Field, Chicago’s famed baseball venue went by 2 previous names. Built in 1914 for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the stadium was first known as Weeghman Park, and later, as Cubs Park. In April 2014, Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday bash will showcase 10 decade-themed home stands as the stadium hosts the Arizona Diamondbacks.9601280

Before it was ever known as Wrigley Field, Chicago’s famed baseball venue went by 2 previous names. Built in 1914 for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the stadium was first known as Weeghman Park, and later, as Cubs Park. In April 2014, Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday bash will showcase 10 decade-themed home stands as the stadium hosts the Arizona Diamondbacks.

iStock

St. Louis Turns 250

St. Louis Turns 250

The Gateway City marks its 250th anniversary this year. In 1764, French fur trader Pierre Laclede set out to construct a trading post near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Laclede eventually settled on a site 18 miles downriver. Today, St. Louis’s riverfront area is named Laclede’s Landing in his honor. 9601280

The Gateway City marks its 250th anniversary this year. In 1764, French fur trader Pierre Laclede set out to construct a trading post near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Laclede eventually settled on a site 18 miles downriver. Today, St. Louis’s riverfront area is named Laclede’s Landing in his honor.

Thinkstock

Berlin Wall’s Fall, 25 Years Later

Berlin Wall’s Fall, 25 Years Later

Germany marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in November. The anniversary joins 2 other big events this year: 100 years since the outbreak of WWI and 75 years since the start of the second, earning 2014 the nickname in Germany of Super-Gedenkjahr, or the “super-year of commemoration.” 9601280

Germany marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in November. The anniversary joins 2 other big events this year: 100 years since the outbreak of WWI and 75 years since the start of the second, earning 2014 the nickname in Germany of Super-Gedenkjahr, or the “super-year of commemoration.”

Reuters

WWI Turns 100

WWI Turns 100

In July 2014, the world marks the 100th anniversary of the Great War. In July 1914, Austro-Hungarian Empire formally declared war on Serbia, setting off World War I. Learn the story at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, MO. The 32,000-square-foot facility consists of 2 theaters, exhibitions of period artifacts and replica trenches. 9601280

In July 2014, the world marks the 100th anniversary of the Great War. In July 1914, Austro-Hungarian Empire formally declared war on Serbia, setting off World War I. Learn the story at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, MO. The 32,000-square-foot facility consists of 2 theaters, exhibitions of period artifacts and replica trenches.

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang

50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang

On April 17, 1964, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Mustang, and the smooth, 2-door beaut quickly became a fixture of American muscle car culture. (Who could forget the 7-minute chase scene in 1968’s Bullitt, when a Ford Mustang GT 390 rips through the streets of San Francisco?) Grab your shades, and celebrate the Mustang’s 50th with a ride in a sixth-generation Mustang this year.9601280

On April 17, 1964, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Mustang, and the smooth, 2-door beaut quickly became a fixture of American muscle car culture. (Who could forget the 7-minute chase scene in 1968’s Bullitt, when a Ford Mustang GT 390 rips through the streets of San Francisco?) Grab your shades, and celebrate the Mustang’s 50th with a ride in a sixth-generation Mustang this year.

Getty Images

D-Day 70th Anniversary

D-Day 70th Anniversary

This year marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, when the coast of Normandy, code-named Omaha Beach, saw the Allied invasion against German-occupied France. Commemorations will unfold everywhere from Bedford, VA, to the Norman coast, where Queen Elizabeth will be guest of honor. Meanwhile, Holland America is offering a 12-day D-Day tour, and a plethora of Normandy tours will recall the June 6 landings.9601280

This year marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, when the coast of Normandy, code-named Omaha Beach, saw the Allied invasion against German-occupied France. Commemorations will unfold everywhere from Bedford, VA, to the Norman coast, where Queen Elizabeth will be guest of honor. Meanwhile, Holland America is offering a 12-day D-Day tour, and a plethora of Normandy tours will recall the June 6 landings.

Getty Images

Japan’s Bullet Train (Shinkansen): 50th Anniversary

Japan’s Bullet Train (Shinkansen): 50th Anniversary

Japan’s high-speed railway turns 50 this year. In October 1964, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen opened between Tokyo and the Shin-Ōsaka Station 320 miles away, for a total trip time of 4 hours. Today, the journey takes about 3 hours. Spring 2014 will see test runs of the new Series E7 bullet train, with a top speed of 160 mph. 9601280

Japan’s high-speed railway turns 50 this year. In October 1964, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen opened between Tokyo and the Shin-Ōsaka Station 320 miles away, for a total trip time of 4 hours. Today, the journey takes about 3 hours. Spring 2014 will see test runs of the new Series E7 bullet train, with a top speed of 160 mph.

Getty Images

Sundance Film Festival's 30th

Sundance Film Festival's 30th

America’s top independent film festival sees its 30th anniversary this year. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Film Festival has gone on to showcase such groundbreaking films as Little Miss Sunshine and Beasts of the Southern Wild. This year’s festival will be held in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance Resort.9601280

America’s top independent film festival sees its 30th anniversary this year. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, Sundance Film Festival has gone on to showcase such groundbreaking films as Little Miss Sunshine and Beasts of the Southern Wild. This year’s festival will be held in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance Resort.

Getty Images

The Beatles: 50th Anniversary of US Debut

The Beatles: 50th Anniversary of US Debut

In early 1964, the Beatles kicked off their first official US tour with an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Months later, with Beatlemania at its height, the Beatles performed at the Hollywood Bowl (pictured). Relive the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s US invasion with a Magical History Tour and a Beatles Walking Tour in NYC. 9601280

In early 1964, the Beatles kicked off their first official US tour with an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Months later, with Beatlemania at its height, the Beatles performed at the Hollywood Bowl (pictured). Relive the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s US invasion with a Magical History Tour and a Beatles Walking Tour in NYC.

david_hwang, flickr

Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition: 100th Anniversary

Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition: 100th Anniversary

Just as WWI broke out, Sir Ernest Shackleton embarked on the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. Then his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s heroic journey. Relive one of the greatest survival stories of all time on an Antarctica cruise, the last frontier for cruise travelers. 9601280

Just as WWI broke out, Sir Ernest Shackleton embarked on the first land crossing of the Antarctic continent. Then his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s heroic journey. Relive one of the greatest survival stories of all time on an Antarctica cruise, the last frontier for cruise travelers.

Thinkstock

South Africa: 20 Years of Freedom

South Africa: 20 Years of Freedom

This year South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom and general elections. In 1994, on the heels of decades of struggle led by Nelson Mandela, South Africa transitioned from apartheid to a government of majority rule. Take a South Africa tour, and see where history was made. 9601280

This year South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom and general elections. In 1994, on the heels of decades of struggle led by Nelson Mandela, South Africa transitioned from apartheid to a government of majority rule. Take a South Africa tour, and see where history was made.

Getty Images

Yosemite’s 150th Anniversary

Yosemite’s 150th Anniversary

This year marks Yosemite’s 150th anniversary. In June 1864, Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, the first land grant in the nation to protect wild lands for the enjoyment of future generations. This year, more than 150 events are planned at Yosemite to mark the historic milestone. 9601280

This year marks Yosemite’s 150th anniversary. In June 1864, Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, the first land grant in the nation to protect wild lands for the enjoyment of future generations. This year, more than 150 events are planned at Yosemite to mark the historic milestone.

Thinkstock

New Jersey Turns 350

New Jersey Turns 350

The Garden State celebrates its 350th birthday in 2014. In 1664 Charles II of England granted a chunk of land on the East Coast to his brother, James. James then gave 2 friends part of the land; it was soon named New Jersey. It’s all just one more reason to celebrate the land of bikinis and boardwalks.9601280

The Garden State celebrates its 350th birthday in 2014. In 1664 Charles II of England granted a chunk of land on the East Coast to his brother, James. James then gave 2 friends part of the land; it was soon named New Jersey. It’s all just one more reason to celebrate the land of bikinis and boardwalks.

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London Celebrates the QueenQueen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year, marking her 60th year as monarch. A weekend of events in June is planned throughout the Commonwealth, culminating in a Royal Air Force flyover and a "Fire of Joy," a celebratory cascade of rifle fire given as a salute by the Queen's Guard.9601280

London Celebrates the QueenQueen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year, marking her 60th year as monarch. A weekend of events in June is planned throughout the Commonwealth, culminating in a Royal Air Force flyover and a "Fire of Joy," a celebratory cascade of rifle fire given as a salute by the Queen's Guard.

Getty Images

Spider-Man turns 50

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Spider-Man Turns 50Spider-Man made his first appearance in comics in 1962, making this his 50th anniversary. The newest Spiderman movie is also set for release this summer -- the perfect birthday gift for Spidey. 9601280

Spider-Man Turns 50Spider-Man made his first appearance in comics in 1962, making this his 50th anniversary. The newest Spiderman movie is also set for release this summer -- the perfect birthday gift for Spidey.

Getty Images

A War of 1812 reenactment

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War of 1812 BicentennialThe US declared war on Britain 200 years ago, setting off the War of 1812. This year bicentennial celebrations are being held by 10 states, as well as Washington, DC and Ontario.9601280

War of 1812 BicentennialThe US declared war on Britain 200 years ago, setting off the War of 1812. This year bicentennial celebrations are being held by 10 states, as well as Washington, DC and Ontario.

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Arizona Celebrates Its CentennialArizona has taken on a series of statewide projects to commemorate its centennial. Projects include a documentary following 100 Arizona ranchers whose families have been ranching in the state since 1912 and a new museum that explores what it means to be an Arizonian.9601280

Arizona Celebrates Its CentennialArizona has taken on a series of statewide projects to commemorate its centennial. Projects include a documentary following 100 Arizona ranchers whose families have been ranching in the state since 1912 and a new museum that explores what it means to be an Arizonian.

Thinkstock

100 years of the Cherry Blossom Festival

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The National Cherry Blossom FestivalA century ago, Japan gave Washington, DC, a gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees as a token of friendship. Each year, the US capital is painted pink with the blossoms, which lure visitors from all over the world. 9601280

The National Cherry Blossom FestivalA century ago, Japan gave Washington, DC, a gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees as a token of friendship. Each year, the US capital is painted pink with the blossoms, which lure visitors from all over the world.

Thinkstock

Louisiana's 200th year of statehood

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Louisiana's BicentennialTo commemorate Louisiana's 200th anniversary, the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission has drawn up with a list of 200 free things that visitors can do in the state. These include visiting the state's 180-mile long Creole Nature Trail, which is home to 400 bird species.9601280

Louisiana's BicentennialTo commemorate Louisiana's 200th anniversary, the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission has drawn up with a list of 200 free things that visitors can do in the state. These include visiting the state's 180-mile long Creole Nature Trail, which is home to 400 bird species.

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Charles Dickens turns 200

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Charles Dickens' BirthdayEven though Charles Dickens turned 200 back in February, the party is continuing all year long with a Dickensian exhibit at the Museum of London and a guided tour through Chalk Church, which was featured in Great Expectations.9601280

Charles Dickens' BirthdayEven though Charles Dickens turned 200 back in February, the party is continuing all year long with a Dickensian exhibit at the Museum of London and a guided tour through Chalk Church, which was featured in Great Expectations.

Getty Images

New Mexico's 100th year as a state

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New Mexico's 100th YearNew Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood this year. As part of the celebration, the state's governor created the Centennial Children's Legacy Fund, which hopes to improve the education and welfare of New Mexico's children. 9601280

New Mexico's 100th YearNew Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood this year. As part of the celebration, the state's governor created the Centennial Children's Legacy Fund, which hopes to improve the education and welfare of New Mexico's children.

Nicholas_T, flickr

Golden Gate Bridge celebrates 75 years

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The Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75For the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary in May, San Francisco is going all out with a day-long festival that will celebrate the history of the bridge and the culture of the city -- all culminating in a fireworks grand finale.9601280

The Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75For the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary in May, San Francisco is going all out with a day-long festival that will celebrate the history of the bridge and the culture of the city -- all culminating in a fireworks grand finale.

Geoff Stearns, flickr

The Space Needle opened 50 years ago

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The Space Needle's 50th AnniversaryFifty years ago, when the Space Needle opened at the Seattle World's Fair, it was called "The Space Cage." It was built in just 1 year and 4 days.9601280

The Space Needle's 50th AnniversaryFifty years ago, when the Space Needle opened at the Seattle World's Fair, it was called "The Space Cage." It was built in just 1 year and 4 days.